Description
Tender, juicy pork chops coated in a glossy, sticky honey garlic sauce. This easy weeknight meal takes less than 30 minutes and uses simple pantry staples for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 2–3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 pork chops (bone-in, center-cut, 1–1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tbsp high smoke point oil (avocado or vegetable)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel preferred) over medium-high heat with oil until it shimmers.
- Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Remove chops from the pan and set aside on a plate; they do not need to be fully cooked yet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the pan. Whisk to combine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Return pork chops to the pan. Spoon sauce over the chops and cook for 1-2 minutes to finish cooking.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from heat and let chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. Watch the garlic closely as it burns quickly. Pork chops should rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sau
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 35
Keywords: honey garlic pork chops, easy dinner, weeknight meals, one skillet meal, juicy pork chops, quick recipes